The highest level of certification offered by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) came after a $16 million renovation of what was formerly called the Old Big Creek Golf Course, the story stated.

Sustainable aspects of Mirimichi Lakes include: Irrigation and drainage systems that reuse rainwater; use of native plants grasses; solar powered golf carts; and the inclusion of lakes and recirculating streams for beautification and to support wildlife, the story noted.

Timberlake said: "After we had the golf course we said why don’t we refurbish it and make it even nicer for the community. Then, I asked questions about what we could possibly do, and we found out we could actually make it a ''green course.'' So when [we] finished this summer, it [was] a LEED Platinum-certified green course … that’s pretty exciting that you could take all that land and make it eco-friendly.

Only the back nine is currently open for play, but the rest of the holes will be open as soon as final touches are made to the course, the story added.